Thursday, 8 Sep 2022

Written Answers Nos. 964-983

School Transport

Ceisteanna (964)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

964. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if the school transport case of a student (details supplied) will be reviewed and update provided in relation to same. [43679/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.  

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures. 

Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year. 

School Transport ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.

Bus Éireann are processing applications and issuing tickets as soon as extra buses and drivers are sourced and become available to provide transport for the higher numbers qualifying for the service.

The normal eligibility criteria of the scheme still apply and tickets continue to be allocated in line with this criteria.  Pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible.

Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.

In line with normal practice, all eligible children who completed the application and ticket registration process on time for the 2022/2023 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

In addition, pending completion of the outcome of the full review of the School Transport Scheme, Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied by the 29th April and registered for a ticket by the 29th  July.

Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.

Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for school transport under the terms of the school transport scheme was unsuccessful in obtaining a seat on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year as the existing service is operating to capacity.

Education Policy

Ceisteanna (965, 1033)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

965. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the campaign by an organisation (details supplied) which calls on her Department to continue its investment in children and young people’s reading in Budget 2023. [43680/22]

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

1033. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the status of the establishment of a national advisory group on school library provision, as per recommendations 7 and 19 of the May 2022 report on Leaving Certificate reform by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; the terms of reference of the group; the membership of the group; the expected timeline for all primary and post-primary schools to have a school library, school librarian and full access to the school digital library service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44176/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education (Deputy Norma Foley)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 965 and 1033 together.

My aim for Budget 2023 is to continue to deliver on the priorities outlined in the Programme for Government and to continue to support the students, staff, and families in the education sector. 

In the lead up to the Budget, my Department receives a number of pre-budget submissions from a number stakeholders in the education sector and from organisations involved in other areas of public policy. As in previous years, relevant submissions continue to be reviewed and they will inform the specific budgetary priorities that I will be seeking to achieve in Budget 2023.

The library project referred to is the Junior Cycle Schools Programme (JCSP) Demonstration Library Project. A review of the JCSP is underway. Schools that currently offer the JCSP have been advised that they may continue to do so. While the review is ongoing, no new applications are currently being accepted from schools for entry to the JCSP.

Under the Programme for Government my Department was tasked with the development of a successor Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy. The strategy will be informed by robust research to include consideration of national and international practice, by extensive stakeholder engagement and public consultation. It is intended that the new strategy would be published in 2023 and will run for ten years. This strategy will set the vision for the coming 10 years with recommendations/ actions to improve literacy and numeracy levels from early years to post-primary level.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (966)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

966. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if the school transport case of a student (details supplied) will be reviewed and an update provided in relation to same. [43681/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.  

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures. 

School Transport ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.

 Bus Éireann are processing applications and issuing tickets as soon as extra buses and drivers are sourced and become available to provide transport for the higher numbers qualifying for the service.

 The normal eligibility criteria of the scheme still apply and tickets continue to be allocated in line with this criteria.  Pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible.

 Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.

 In line with normal practice, all eligible children who completed the application and ticket registration process on time for the 2022/2023 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

 In addition, pending completion of the outcome of the full review of the School Transport Scheme, Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied by the 29th April and registered for a ticket by the 29th  July.

Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy was unsuccessful in obtaining a seat on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year as they did not complete the ticket registration process by the closing date of 29 July and all existing services in this area are currently operating at capacity.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (967)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

967. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if the school transport case of students (details supplied) will be reviewed and an update provided in relation to same. [43682/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.  

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures. 

Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year. 

 Bus Éireann are processing applications and issuing tickets as soon as extra buses and drivers are sourced and become available to provide transport for the higher numbers qualifying for the service.

 The normal eligibility criteria of the scheme still apply and tickets continue to be allocated in line with this criteria.  Pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible.

 In line with normal practice, all eligible children who completed the application and ticket registration process on time for the 2022/2023 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

 Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.

In addition, pending completion of the outcome of the full review of the School Transport Scheme, Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied by the 29th April and registered for a ticket by the 29th  July.

 Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.

Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for school transport under the terms of the school transport scheme and was unsuccessful in obtaining a seat on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year as the existing service is operating to capacity.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (968)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

968. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the status of the review the school transport scheme; when the review will be concluded; when the findings of same will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43683/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.  

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures. 

Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year. 

School transport is a hugely important service for families.  As you are aware my Department commenced a review of the School Transport Scheme in February 2021. The review is being conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness and sustainability, and to ensure that it serves students and their families adequately. 

The review encompasses the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs and the Primary and Post-Primary School Transport Schemes in terms of how each element of the schemes currently operate, to include eligibility criteria, trends, costs and cost drivers, and overall effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the schemes. 

The review will also examine the potential for integration of different strands of the scheme and a more co-ordinated approach with other Government Departments that also use transport services. The review will consider issues such as climate action, supporting rural development and promoting where possible initiatives that encourage walking and cycling to school.

Following consideration and approval of an interim report presented by the Steering Group, and pending completion of the outcome of the full review of the School Transport Scheme, Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level be continued for the 2022/2023 school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied by the 29th April and registered for a ticket by the 29th July.

Wider considerations relating to operation of the scheme are now taking place in the second phase of the review.  The Technical Working Group has undertaken extensive consultation over the last number of months; including running a public survey for parents/guardians and students who use the service and those who do not use the service but who would like to.  The Group has also consulted with a broad array of stakeholders including schools, special education  interest groups, industry representatives and other Government Departments,

The Steering Group will continue to report to me on an interim basis as the review progresses. 

While work on the review is being impacted somewhat by challenges including the pandemic and the impact on resources arising from the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, it is anticipated that the completion of the final phases of the review will be in the shortest timeframe possible. 

School Transport

Ceisteanna (969)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

969. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education when school transport will be facilitated in the case of children (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43704/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021. 

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.

Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.

Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

In addition, temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year pending completion of the review of the School Transport Scheme. This will mean that transport arrangements will continue to be provided for a number of post-primary students who are attending their second nearest school, who have applied and registered on time and who live more than 4.8km from their nearest school. 

Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats. 

Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process. 

With regard to the first pupil referred to by the Deputy, Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil is not eligible for transport as they are attending their fourth closest school. While an application for transport was first received for this pupil on 2nd August, 2018 for the 2018/19 school year and the application was carried forward to subsequent years, no ticket request was submitted before the closing date of 29th July 2022 for this pupil. The existing school transport service is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available at present.  

With regard to the second pupil referred to by the Deputy, Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil is not eligible for transport as they are attending their fourth closest school. While an application for school transport was made, no ticket request was submitted for this pupil. The existing school transport service is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available at present.  

With regard to the third pupil referred to by the Deputy, Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil is eligible for transport as they are attending their closest school. An application for transport was first received for this pupil on 16th July, 2019 for the 2019/20 school year and the application was carried forward to subsequent years. A late ticket request was received for this pupil on 30th August, 2022 and a ticket will be sent to this pupil in due course.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (970)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

970. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education when school transport will be facilitated in the case of a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43705/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021. 

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.

Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.

Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

In addition, temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year pending completion of the review of the School Transport Scheme. This will mean that transport arrangements will continue to be provided for a number of post-primary students who are attending their second nearest school, who have applied and registered on time and who live more than 4.8km from their nearest school. 

Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats. 

Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process. 

Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for transport as they are attending their third closest school. This pupil was unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary seat for the 2022/23 school year. 

The existing school transport service is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available. at present.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (971)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

971. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education when school transport will be facilitated in the case of children (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43706/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.  

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures. 

Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year. 

 Bus Éireann are processing applications and issuing tickets as soon as extra buses and drivers are sourced and become available to provide transport for the higher numbers qualifying for the service.

Bus Éireann have advised that the pupils referred to by the Deputy are eligible for transport as they are attending their nearest school. There are seats available on an existing mainstream school transport service and tickets have been issued to these pupils, tickets should arrive to their home address in the coming days. 

School Transport

Ceisteanna (972)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

972. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education when school transport will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43707/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021. 

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.

Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.

Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. In addition,

Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation. 

Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats. 

Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process. 

Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible for transport as they are attending their nearest school. Originally this pupil was classed as mainstream concessionary on the Bus Éireann system in error and they did not receive a ticket in the agreed selection process, however they are eligible for transport. 

The existing service will be upgraded to a larger vehicle and Bus Éireann have confirmed that a ticket will be issued to this pupil in the coming days.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (973)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

973. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education when school transport will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43708/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021. 

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.

Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.

Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

In addition, temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year pending completion of the review of the School Transport Scheme. This will mean that transport arrangements will continue to be provided for a number of post-primary students who are attending their second nearest school, who have applied and registered on time and who live more than 4.8km from their nearest school. 

Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.

Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process. 

Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for transport as they are attending their third closest school. This pupil was unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary seat for the 2022/23 school year.

The existing school transport service is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available. at present.

While Bus Éireann endeavour to provide refunds to customers as soon as possible, the system will prioritise the issuing of school transport tickets so that students can travel on school transport in the coming year. It is expected that the likely time period for refunds to issue will be late August/early September.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (974)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

974. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education when school transport will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43709/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021. 

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.

 Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.

 Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

In addition, temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year pending completion of the review of the School Transport Scheme. This will mean that transport arrangements will continue to be provided for a number of post-primary students who are attending their second nearest school, who have applied and registered on time and who live more than 4.8km from their nearest school. 

Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.

Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process. 

Bus Éireann has advised that the pupils referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for transport as they are attending their third closest school. These pupils were unsuccessful in obtaining concessionary seats for the 2022/23 school year 

The existing school transport service is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available. at present.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (975)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

975. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education when school transport will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43710/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021. 

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.

 Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.

 Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

In addition, temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year pending completion of the review of the School Transport Scheme. This will mean that transport arrangements will continue to be provided for a number of post-primary students who are attending their second nearest school, who have applied and registered on time and who live more than 4.8km from their nearest school. 

Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats. 

Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process. 

Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil(s) referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for transport as they are attending their third closest school. This pupil was unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary seat for the 2022/23 school year 

The existing school transport service is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available. at present.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (976)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

976. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education when school transport will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43713/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021. 

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.

Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.

Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

In addition, temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year pending completion of the review of the School Transport Scheme. This will mean that transport arrangements will continue to be provided for a number of post-primary students who are attending their second nearest school, who have applied and registered on time and who live more than 4.8km from their nearest school. 

Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats. 

Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process.

Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for transport as they are attending their third closest school. While an application for transport was received for this pupil, no ticket request was submitted before the closing date of 29th July 2022 for this pupil.  

The existing school transport service is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available at present. 

School Transport

Ceisteanna (977)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

977. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if school transport will be provided for a certain route given the circumstances of some pupils (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43738/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.  

The Department of Education and Bus Éireann have a process to facilitate the provision of School Transport Scheme Services for children arriving to Ireland from Ukraine.

For children residing with a host family or for children of Ukrainian families living in their own private accommodation, an application for school transport can be made via a link to a form on gov.ie/ukraine.

For families and children residing in accommodation centres (or similar), school principals may apply for transport for children attending their school who are residing in such accommodation. School principals should complete the information required on a form which is available on Gov.ie and return it to their local REALT co-ordinator. Full information is available on gov.ie/ukraine via the link below:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/320e9-employment-and-education/#education

Children will be accommodated on existing services where there is capacity, normal eligibility criteria will be waived. If there is no service or capacity, a grant can be offered to the family as appropriate.

Officials in School Transport Section will be happy to assist with any queries families may have in relation to transport provision for children arriving from Ukraine. They can be contacted at: [e-mail].

School Transport

Ceisteanna (978)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

978. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if school transport will be provided to a child (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43748/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.  

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures. 

Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year. 

I am pleased to advise that the child referred to by the Deputy was issued a ticket on board a school transport service on 2nd September 2022 for the 2022/23 school year.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (979)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

979. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if school transport will be provided to a child (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43749/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021. 

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.

Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.

Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats. 

Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.

Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy in this case is not eligible for school transport under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme as they reside under the distance criteria.  They also advise that the pupil referred was unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary ticket for the 2022/23 school year.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (980)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

980. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if she will reinstate extended Covid leave with pay for teachers who contracted long-Covid from working in a Covid-19 exposed environment such as special education teachers working with unmasked children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43750/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

On 27th May 2022, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) published updated ‘Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19 in relation to Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19 ‘.  The DPER Guidance and FAQs apply to all civil and public service employees.  My Department’s Circular Letter 0038/2022 titled ‘COVID-19: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updated Working Arrangements for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants employed in recognised Primary and Post Primary schools’ published on 8th June 2022 reflects this DPER directive.

From 1st  July 2022, the COVID-19 Special Leave with Pay entitlement for school employees has changed. The maximum Special Leave With Pay entitlement is 7 consecutive days in any one instance, which is the current HSE stated self-isolation period. The terms and conditions of the Sick Leave Scheme will apply where an employee remains medically unfit for work immediately after the 7-day Special Leave With Pay period.

School Facilities

Ceisteanna (981)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

981. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the status of an extension refurbishment to cater for a long-term projection of enrolment of 1,000 pupils and two special educational needs-based classrooms for a school (details supplied); when the project will commence; when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43757/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The project to which the Deputy refers is being provided under the Department's modular accommodation framework.

The project commenced in August 2022 and it is currently projected to complete in January 2023. 

School Transport

Ceisteanna (982)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

982. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if she will review a school transport case for a family (details supplied); and if she will provide an update on same. [43774/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.  

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures. 

Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year. 

Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy was unsuccessful in obtaining a seat on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year as they did not complete the ticket registration process by the closing date of 29 July.  All existing services in this area are currently operating at capacity.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (983)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

983. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if she will review a school transport case for a child (details supplied); and if she will provide an update on same. [43775/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.  

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures. 

Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year. 

Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy was unsuccessful in obtaining a seat on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year as they did not complete the ticket registration process by the closing date of 29 July.  All existing services in this area are currently operating at capacity.